by Piper Rayne
“Deep breath,” I instruct calmly. “Just tell them that something came up. Reschedule them again. I’m sure they won’t mind. And if they do, remind them that I’m the boss.”
“I tried that already, but Larry says that he found something concerning in last month’s numbers. He thinks one of our employees might be skimming. And Michael says that there might be a security breach. Guest information has apparently been leaking to the public, and it’s only a matter of time before things erupt if it’s not dealt with right away.”
This is troubling news. It appears that I haven’t been running as tight a ship as I thought I’ve been. Employees skimming from my corporate account and information leaks threatening the security of my guest are both highly unacceptable. They’re pressing issues that I need to take care of right away.
I glance at my watch.
I’m supposed to meet Lake in twenty minutes.
Indecision freezes me where I stand. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to risk being late to see Lake. Especially not since I was late on our first date and failed to message her. She’d probably think I was blowing her off again, which is the last thing I want to do. But at the same time, I can’t let The Grandiose fall apart like this. It’s my responsibility to set things right, keep the gears oiled, make sure everything runs smoothly. Someone out there, possibly one that works for me, is stealing from me. That is a crime I can’t take lightly.
Dammit.
“I need you to go pick Lake up from the shelter,” I tell Todd. “Just explain that I’ve been called into an important business meeting, but I’ll be with her straight away. Make sure she has everything she needs. VIP treatment. Understand.”
“I understand,” Todd says with a nod, turning on his heel to get right to it.
With a heavy sigh, I head the opposite direction to the elevators leading to the casino. With any luck, I’ll be able to deal with these matters quickly and not keep Lake waiting too long.
13
LAKE
He keeps me waiting. Two whole hours pass. Our date was supposed to be at seven, and now it’s pushing nine. Sure, I may be waiting in the lap of luxury, surrounded by all sorts of amenities and nibbling on a couple of grapes from the fruit platter Todd personally brought up from the casino’s kitchens, but still.
The sting in my chest tells me that I’m wasting my time.
I like Asher. I really do. He’s sweet and funny and when I’m with him, I feel like a million bucks. But this isn’t the first time he’s left me hanging, and I certainly don’t intend on allowing it to happen again. I’d much rather be at work right now helping the dogs, or at home where I can unwind in a place that’s familiar to me.
The Grandiose, as beautiful as it is, isn’t exactly a place where I find great comfort. I constantly feel like I have to tip-toe around everything and everyone, afraid that I’ll accidentally break something and owe a massive debt just to replace. I’d much rather be home, dressed in a pair of sweatpants and an oversized shirt straight out of the dryer in front of the TV, chowing down on spring rolls or burritos or whatever deliciousness I can get my hands on.
Here, I feel pressured to be fancy. Constantly on my best behavior. Rigid and unsure.
I check the time on my phone.
9:20 PM.
I’ve waited long enough. Time to get going.
Literally the second I step out into the hall, I hear thundering footsteps running toward me. I look up to find Asher in a sprint, hair windswept and cheeks a tinge rosy.
“I’m so sorry,” he says, out of breath. “I swear I came as soon as I could. Larry from accounting likes to talk a lot. I’m so, so sorry I’m late. I should have just canceled.”
I want to be angry at him, but I’m more disappointed if anything. “I think we missed our dinner reservation,” I say softly, doing my best to mask just how upset I am.
“I know, I’m sorry. I’m sure they can make room for us.”
“To be honest, I’m not really that hungry anymore. I kind of filled up on fruit while I was waiting for you.”
Something pained flashes across Asher’s face. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s…” I sigh. “It’s fine.”
“Let me make it up to you.”
“I don’t know…”
“Please, Lake. I messed up. I feel really bad. This business… Sometimes it eats up more of my time than I’d like, but I really do want to spend time with you. Will you give me another chance?”
The logical part of my brain tells me no. I know my worth and I value my time. Who’s to say that this isn’t a pattern of behavior? I’ll feel like an absolute idiot if it is and I end up forgiving him anyways.
But people do make mistakes and he seems genuinely sorry and I know that this casino means a lot to Asher. It doesn’t make sense for him to invite me, only to stand me up unless he had a really good explanation for it.
“Fine,” I say. “But just this once.”
Asher nods, adamant. “I totally understand. Thank you, Lake.”
“So. What do you have in store for us tonight?”
He reaches out to take my hand. I let him, slipping my palm easily into his. “I could tell you. Or I can just show you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He flashes a toothy grin. “You’ll see.”
I have never in my life seen a helicopter up this close before. Asher takes me to the roof of The Grandiose, where there’s apparently enough room for a helicopter pad that I had no idea about. The chopper is just as grand as the rest of its surroundings, sleek and massive and powerful. The pilot hops out of the cockpit, door held open for Asher.
“She’s warmed up and all yours, captain,” the man shouts over the noisy engine.
Asher pulls open the passenger-side door and helps me climb into the seat. He hands me a pair of massive headphones with a mic attachment. He circles around the chopper to get in beside me, close the door, and then put on his own set. He taps at the mic.
“Can you hear me all right?” he asks, voice crackling over the speakers.
“Yes, I can!” I shout without meaning to.
He chuckles. “Good. Ready?”
“Wait, wait, wait! Do you really know how to fly this thing?”
“My mother was a pilot with the Airforce,” he explains. “She taught me to fly prop planes during the summer when I was a boy. Helicopters though…” He makes a face, like he’s unsure.
I frown. “That’s not funny,” I say, nervous laughter bubbling past my lips.
“Just kidding. I fly all the time. Especially for short-distance business trips. I usually just let my pilot take care of it, but I thought it would be nice, just the two of us. What do you think?”
I can’t stop smiling. “Well, this is definitely what I’d call a surprise.”
“Here, buckle up. We’ll get going.”
He helps secure my seatbelt and then moves to adjust his own, flicking a couple of notches and presses a couple of buttons before pulling back on the lever. Before I even know what’s happening, the helicopter lifts off the roof of The Grandiose, rising higher and higher until we’re airborne and soaring over the city.
The Strip looks enchanting from on high. It’s a bright cosmos, streetlights and neon signs transforming into stars twinkling in the remainder of the dark. The city literally outshines everything else, the surrounding areas become nothing more than inky black desert beneath the soft silver moonlight.
It’s exhilarating.
“I think the shelter must be in that direction,” I say excitedly, pointing in its general direction. “Have you gone on helicopter rides anywhere else?” I ask Asher.
“A couple of places. New York and Hawaii, mostly. I have vacation homes there.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. As impressive as that is, it only serves to remind me just how different we are. “I’ve never been to New York. Or Hawaii. Or out of state, for that matter.”
“Really?” he sa
ys without judgement. “Well, maybe I can take you on a trip some time.”
“S-seriously?”
“Was that too forward?”
“No, it’s… It’s nice.”
Asher smiles, charming as ever. He looks so damn handsome behind the controls, strong and in command. It’s easy to get lost in the kindness of his eyes, something that I’m starting to suspect he only ever reveals in earnest when I’m around. He opens his mouth like he’s about to say something, but then I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.
“Sorry,” I apologize to quickly check.
It’s a message from Maeve.
Shelter 911. Need you here.
“Everything OK?” Asher asks me.
“There’s some sort of emergency at work,” I explain. “I’m so sorry, but I think I have to go. If Maeve has to contact me with a problem, it’s usually a big deal.”
“Oh,” he mutters, unable to mask his disappointment. “I understand. I’ll bring us around.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, Lake. I really do understand.”
Guilt weighs heavily on my chest. I really am having a good time, but I have to admit that the night hasn’t exactly felt right. We started off rough, and now we’re ending rough. Maybe it’s just bad timing, bad luck. Maybe it’s just one of those things.
Maybe it’s just not meant to be.
By the time I get back, it’s well past midnight. Asher wanted to have Todd drive me, but I insisted on taking a cab. Asher made sure to pay the driver generously. We parted with a chaste kiss and it all felt so…
Awkward.
The emergency turns out to be massive. I knew there was need to be concerned when Maeve had to reach out. She’s young, but she’s capable. The fact that she had to text me at all was a worrying sign in and of itself.
We got a last-minute call from local pet control. They apparently shut down another puppy mill operation, but now we’re at capacity with barely enough resources to go around to properly take care of.
This is my idea of a nightmare.
A lot of the younger puppies are in really rough condition, but as I change into a spare work shirt to avoid messing up my dress, I make a silent promise not to leave their side. I’ll be with them all night, come what may. They’re tiny little things, balls of wet fur that deserved so much more love and warmth than what they got. The least I can do is tend to their needs and make them as comfortable as I’m able.
Maeve helps to put away the larger and older dogs in appropriately sized kennels for the night. Most of them are incredibly aggressive, several with muzzles on to keep their sharp teeth at bay. It’s going to take a lot of time to train them to be calm, but this is why I do what I do. There’s no such thing as a lost cause.
I’m here to help.
And I don’t want it any other way.
14
ASHER
I feel like I’ve really messed up. I haven’t heard back from Lake in almost a week. Normally, I wouldn’t spend this much time thinking about a woman, but she’s occupied every corner of my mind. Work has become more of a distraction than a delight to deal with, which I find incredibly odd considering how The Grandiose is effectively my entire life. I’ve sunk so many hours into making it the best that it can be, turning it into a profitable business, yet another gem in the crown of Las Vegas.
But it all feels so unrewarding now. I’ve accomplished everything that I possibly can. The Grandiose is consistently and frequently ranked in the top ten destinations to visit on the Strip. My casino hosts world poker tournaments every season. We’re pulling in massive amounts of profit that can be used to re-invest in newer games, prettier decor, hiring staff with top-notch qualifications.
Now what?
I try to get back into a routine. It helps to keep my mind from wandering and fixating on the fact that Lake hasn’t texted or called. I’ve shot her a couple of messages, but no response. I’m worried that if I continue, I’ll seem needy. Lord knows that just isn’t me.
So I go for a run. My alarm goes off at five in the morning every day. I slip into a pair of jogging shorts, put Scooter’s leash on, and run one, two, three lengths of the entire Strip before people are out and about and clogging up the sidewalks. Scooter’s normally very enthusiastic about his morning runs.
Today, he can’t be bothered.
“What’s wrong, Scoot?” I ask him. “Come on, buddy. Time to go.”
Scooter doesn’t do much by way of reaction. He simply sniffles and grumbles, returning to his curled up position on the foot of my bed, which he’s now commandeered as his own. No matter how many times I scold him and tell him to sleep on the floor, I always find him curled up by my feet the next morning. I’ve pretty much given up, but there’s admittedly something nice about having him nearby.
I decide to let him sleep in today. Everyone deserves a break once in a while.
I make great time. As it turns out, I’m a lot faster when I’m not worrying about Scooter being able to keep up, what with his short legs and all. It’s lonelier, though. I’ve grown used to looking down to see him jogging along. Hopefully Scooter will be well enough to join me tomorrow.
When I get back, Mary’s already arrived to take care of her usual housekeeping list. Her brows are pulled together in concern when I walk through the door.
“Mr. Chase,” she says. “It’s the dog.”
“Scooter? What about him?”
“I don’t know… I think he’s sick. I tried feeding him, but he won’t eat. I set the bowl down in front of him to leave while I got started cleaning the kitchen, but when I came back…”
I frown. “What is it?”
“He vomited everywhere,” she says, concerned. “Do you think there’s something wrong with the food?”
I shake my head. “Lake picked out the best brand that I could have bought for him.”
Mary sighs. “His nose is awfully dry, too. I hear that’s a bad sign. What’s wrong with him?”
“I’m not sure.”
I go to my bedroom and find Scooter exactly where I left him. He really doesn’t look so well. He’s normally so energetic, yapping to his little heart’s content. Now he’s barely moved an inch. He doesn’t wag his tail or raise his head when he sees me like he normally does. I very carefully stroke his back. He’s uncharacteristically warm to the touch, but I have no sweet clue if this is a good or bad thing.
I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone to message the only person who knows what to do.
Lake, it’s me. Can I call you? I think there’s something wrong with Scooter.
Not even two seconds passes before she responds. I try not to let the sting of jealousy get me down. She hasn’t responded to my personal messages at all, but one mention of Scooter gets her attention?
What’s wrong?
I think he might be sick.
I’ll text you the address of a good vet that I know.
Will you come with me?
It takes another minute or so before I hear back. At first, I’m sure she’s going to decline. I’m pleasantly surprised when I see her message.
Of course, I’ll be there.
I have Todd drive me and Scooter all the way to the veterinarian. It’s significantly out of the way, but if Lake recommends him, I won’t think twice. Just as promised, Lake is waiting out in the parking lot for us to arrive. She walks over immediately to check in on Scooter, that spark of love mixed with worry behind her darling eyes.
“This way,” she says. “Make sure that he’s comfortable. The vet will know what’s wrong.”
I get a little anxious when the vet comes out to take Scooter into one of the back rooms to run some tests. I want to be there for the little guy, though I know I’ll probably just be in the way. All I can do is sit there, restless, hoping for the best and bracing for the worst. I bounce my knee absentmindedly, my riled up energy inside me with nowhere to go.
Lake places her hand on my knee and I’m immediat
ely overcome with a feeling of relief.
“It’s good to see you,” she says, reading my mind.
“It’s good to see you, too. Thanks for being here.”
“Of course. You don’t need to ask twice.”
“I just hope he’s OK.”
“I’m sure he will be.”
“How do you know?”
Lake shrugs. “I’m just trying to stay positive.”
“Oh.”
She gives my knee a squeeze. “You know what? I’m sure it’s fine. Scooter’s a tough boy.”
“I know.”
“You really love him, huh?”
I smile weakly. “Yeah. He’s the best friend a guy could ask for.”
She leans against my arm and rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m sure he thinks you’re his best friend, too.”
The vet enters through the swinging door, clipboard in hand. He looks directly at me and asks, “Mr. Chase?”
Lake and I stand together. I don’t realize that she’s laced her fingers between mine until a few seconds after it happens. “Yes?” I ask.
“I just got the x-ray back. It looks like Scooter’s swallowed something and the object is blocking his bowels. It looks too large to pass on his own, so I’m going to have to perform an emergency surgery to get it out. Now, I have to warn you, the procedure is rather expensive—”
“Not an issue,” I assure. “Do whatever you have to. I just want to make sure Scooter’s going to be OK.”
The vet nods. “If that’s the case, I’ll take care of it straight away. It could be a few hours…”
“I’ll wait.”
